a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States. 

→ The first version in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch (a Union army officer in the Civil War) who later wrote a book on how to teach patriotism to children in public schools.

→ In 1892, Francis Bellamy revised Balch's verse as part of a magazine promotion surrounding the World's Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas.

→ Daily ritual in U.S. schools

→ Students recite a promise to the nation and its values (liberty, justice)

→ Helps build: sense of belonging + national identity + civic values

→ "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

BUT Limit: can be seen as imposed or too nationalist

• France: republican values, La Marseillaise

• Japan: discipline, respect, group spirit

• UK: school assemblies, shared values

→ Same goal: build citizenship through traditions

• School = not only knowledge

• Also teaches: values + norms + identity

→ Education = key tool for integration and citizenship

• Traditions help create citizens

• But must respect freedom and diversity 

• early traditions → belonging

• school → values transmission

• → citizen formation

• but: critical thinking + freedom / independence + not imposed